FAQs

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What are the filing officer functions of the UCC division?In administering its ministerial duties under Revised Article 9, the filing office files UCC records. The filing office can reject records for the grounds set forth in the statutes and administrative regulations. In filing a UCC record, the filing office makes no determination as to its legality, sufficiency or correctness.

The filing office also maintains an information management system to store, index and retrieve optical images of UCC records. Except as provided in Revised Article 9 and administrative regulations, the filing office transfers data from UCC records to the UCC information management system exactly as set forth in the records. The filing office does not undertake to detect errors.

All financing statements accepted for filing remain "active" in the records of the filing office for all debtors and secured parties until one year after the financing statement lapses.

The Secretary of State searches and issues reports on all active financing statements, regardless of the filing of any amendments, assignments, terminations or corrections that purport to change, add or delete parties or to assign or terminate a security interest. Search reports include information about the initial financing statement and any subsequent filings of record. The searchers are responsible for determining the effectiveness of filed records.

What are the data entry procedures?Organization names will be entered into the UCC information management system exactly as set forth on the UCC record, even if it appears that multiple names are set forth or it appears that the name of an individual has been included in the field designated for an organization name. Individual names are entered exactly as set forth on the UCC record. Inclusion of names in an incorrect field or failure to transmit names accurately may cause the filing to be ineffective.

What is the fee to file a UCC-1 financing statement?There is a $10.00 filing fee for UCC-1 financing statements consisting of no more than two pages. The filing fee for UCC-1 financing statements over two pages is $20.00.

What is the fee to file a UCC-3 amendment, termination, assignment or continuation?There is a $10.00 filing fee for UCC-3 amendment statements consisting of no more than two pages. The filing fee for UCC-3 amendment statements over two pages is $20.00.

What is the fee for filing electronically a financing statement, amendment, termination, assignment or continuation?There is a $5.00 fee for all electronic financing statements and amendments.

What type of payment method can I use when filing electronically?You may pay for an electronic filing with a credit or debit card or prepaid account.

What is a prepaid account?A prepaid account is a personal account established with the Secretary of State to prepay fees for UCC filings, copies and other requests. More information is available on the Prepaid Accounts and Terms page.

Is there an additional fee for attachments when filing a financing statement or amendment electronically?A financing statement or amendment with attachments cannot be filed electronically.

What is the fee for conducting a search by debtor name?There is no charge for conducting a standardized search by debtor name. There is a $5.00 fee for certified search results.

How can I obtain a certified search by debtor name?A written request for a certified search by debtor name must specify whether the debtor is an individual or an organization. The Secretary of State will process the written request using the name in the exact form as submitted. There is a $5.00 fee for certified search results.

What is the fee for copies of UCC records?The fee for copies of UCC records is $0.10 per page.

My debtor is an organization; what are "type of organization" (1e), "jurisdiction of organization" (1f) and "organizational ID" (1g)?1e, type of organization, is corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company.1f, jurisdiction of organization, is where the debtor's current charter documents are filed.1g, organization ID, if any, is the number assigned by the agency where the charter documents are filed.

Where do I file my title lien statement?Title lien statements on automobiles and other titled properties are filed with the county clerk's office. Please contact your county clerk's office for information regarding forms, fees, etc.